Staff Scientist

Department BSD RAO - Research Staff About the Department The Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology at The University of Chicago is renowned for advancing the field of radiation oncology through pioneering new clinical approaches, the use of cutting-edge technologies, and impactful translational research. Our distinguished and diverse team of physicians, scientists, and physicists collaboratively provide exceptional patient care while driving scientific discoveries that shape the future of cancer treatment. This research laboratory investigates how radiotherapy interacts with the tumor immune microenvironment to influence tumor progression and metastasis. Our goal is to identify mechanisms of treatment resistance and develop novel strategies to enhance therapeutic responses in solid tumors. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance. Job Summary The Staff Scientist will lead translational research focused on tumor metastasis, anti-tumor immune responses to radiation, and enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapies. This laboratory-based role involves working with murine and human-derived biological specimens under institutional biosafety, animal care, and human subjects protocols. The position includes supervising laboratory technicians and trainees and contributing to the development and execution of grant applications in immunology and radiotherapy. Projects integrate tumor immunology, radiation biology, and translational studies using both preclinical models and patient-derived samples. This leadership role is ideal for a scientist passionate about advancing cancer research through innovative translational approaches and collaborative team science. Responsibilities Design and perform in vivo tumor experiments, including radiotherapy treatment, immunotherapy combinations, and metastasis assays using murine models. Conduct multiparameter flow cytometry and cell sorting to characterize immune populations in tumors, lymphoid organs, and metastatic sites. Process and analyze patient-derived tumor and blood samples in collaboration with clinical teams, following IRB and biosafety protocols. Perform molecular and cellular assays, including RNA and protein analysis, functional immune assays, and imaging-based techniques as needed. Analyze and interpret large-scale datasets, including bulk and single-cell sequencing data, with support from bioinformatics resources when appropriate. Develop, optimize, and maintain experimental protocols and standard operating procedures for complex assays. Provide technical training and scientific guidance to research technicians, students, and postdoctoral fellows. Contribute to data presentation, figure preparation, manuscript drafting, and grant application materials. Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information. Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research. Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants. Trains new laboratory personnel. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Experience: Experience and knowledge in tumor immunology, multicolor flow cytometry molecular techniques including RNA seq, single cell RNA seq. Experience in protein biology and molecular techniques. Experience in murine tumor models and human translational studies. Working Conditions Lab Environment. Application Documents Resume (required) Cover Letter (preferred) When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application. Job Family Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required Yes Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the Universitys good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible Yes The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook. Posting Statement The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination. Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form. All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/